Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024

Introduction to the Quality Control Order for Copper Products

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry had earlier notified the Copper (Quality Control) Order, 2023, in public interest, after due consultation with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). This Order came into force three months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette and mandated compulsory BIS certification for Copper, where products had to conform to the IS 191:2007 – Copper Specification. Under this Order, copper products intended for domestic use were required to bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark).

However, for the objective of expanding quality oversight across a wider range of copper applications, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has now notified the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024 under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016. This Order supersedes the earlier Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2023, and introduces mandatory BIS certification for specified copper products used across electrical, engineering, plumbing, as well as a variety of industrial applications, with phased implementation timelines that are applicable to general manufacturers as well as micro and small enterprises.

Key Changes You Need to Know

As per the new notification dated 25 April 2024, the following provisions for the Quality Control Order for Coppers 2024 apply:

1. Copper products that are specified in the Order must conform to the relevant Indian Standards, which mainly include:
   1. IS 12444:2020: Copper Wire Rods for Electrical Applications
   2. IS 613:2000: Copper Rods and Bars for Electrical Purposes
   3. IS 1897:2008: Copper Strip for Electrical Purposes
   4. IS 4171:1983: Copper Rods and Bars for General Engineering Purposes
   5. IS 1545:1994: Solid Drawn Copper and Copper Alloy Tubes for Condensers and Heat Exchangers
   6. IS 2501:1995: Solid Drawn Copper Tubes for General Engineering Purposes
   7. IS 14810:2000: Copper Tubes for Plumbing
2. Products must bear the Standard Mark (ISI Mark) under a licence that will be issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
3. Certification shall be granted to businesses under Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018.
4. Goods that are manufactured domestically exclusively for the purpose of exports are exempted from the Order.
5. BIS is designated as the certifying and enforcing authority to ensure compliance with these regulations in the Indian market.
6. Any contravention of the Order will attract penalties under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

What Is the Date of Implementation?

The implementation timeline under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024, is as follows:

• General manufacturers (other than MSMEs): 19 October 2024
• Small enterprises: 19 January 2025
• Micro enterprises: 19 April 2025

(As defined under the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006)

Now, What Should the Industry Do?

Manufacturers as well as importers of copper products should use the postponed implementation timelines in order to initiate BIS certification activities, including identification of applicable standards, product testing, technical documentation, as well as preparing for factory audits. Early compliance planning will help avoid supply disruptions once the enforcement dates come into effect.

With 10+ years of regulatory experience, Brand Liaison offers expert consultancy, simplified documentation, technical assistance, in-depth industry knowledge, testing support, as well as complete factory audit assistance. Our hands-on BIS guidance helps manufacturers across the copper value chain achieve timely certification as well as seamless compliance under the Copper Products (Quality Control) Order, 2024. Call our team of expert professionals today.